In August, the University honoured nine undergraduate students with donor-sponsored Community Service Student Achievement Awards in recognition of their unwavering dedication to community service.
Dive into the inspiring journeys of some of these award winners and discover how their community service experiences have transformed their lives in remarkable ways.
Small Acts, Big Impact: How Community Service Sparks Change in Me
Lionel Goh Wee Kwang (Year 4, School of Computing and Information Systems)
Soka Gakkai Singapore (SGS)-Ikeda Peace Award
As a past recipient of the Pilot Pen Community Champion Award in the Disability Category in 2022, Lionel has been further recognised this year with the prestigious SGS-Ikeda Peace Award. His extensive volunteering efforts through projects like Project Illuminate, Project YOLO, Project Enrich, and Project Ai highlight his unwavering commitment to social causes.
Despite fulfilling his community service graduation requirements, Lionel continued his leadership as Vice President of SMU Caretalyst, spearheading key projects in 2023. Additionally, from September to December 2022, Lionel volunteered with Mighty Kids Family & Community under the Life! Mentor program, mentoring primary school children from low-income, single-parent, and incarcerated families.
Lionel’s journey into community service began with a spark – a realisation that not everyone had the same opportunities they were fortunate to experience. This awareness fuelled his mission to uplift others, amplify unheard voices, and see the world through their eyes. For Lionel, receiving the SGS-Ikeda Peace Award is more than a personal achievement — it’s a testament to the collective effort and strength of his Exco team, united by the belief that even the smallest acts can spark lasting change. Every challenge they encountered strengthened their resolve, showing them that community service is not just about giving, but also about personal growth and the deep fulfilment that comes from meaningful connections.
Beyond Just a Graduation Requirement: Living the Mantra of Inspiring Through Community Service
Stella Blenda Chandra (Year 3, Lee Kong Chian School of Business)
Pilot Pen Community Champion Award (Disability)
Stella, honoured with the Pilot Pen Community Champion Award for her contributions to disability services, reflects on her inspiring journey into community service, which began with a mandatory CSP requirement at SMU. Initially driven by obligation, Stella soon found profound meaning in her work, from engaging with beneficiaries in starringSMU to serving children from underprivileged families through SMU Caretalyst's Project YOLO 2023.
As the current President of SMU Caretalyst, she has demonstrated active and responsible leadership, continuing to contribute passionately to her cause. Her dedication extends beyond fulfilling requirements, driven by the joy of seeing beneficiaries' smiles and the camaraderie with fellow volunteers. The award represents not just a recognition of her commitment but also a testament to her values, motivating her to continue empowering others and making a difference.
Stella emphasises that community service fosters empathy and a culture of care, benefiting both those served and those who serve, despite the challenges of time management she has overcome through careful planning.
Growing Up with Giving: A Heartfelt Journey of Service from a Young Age
Ryan Sim Rui En (Year 3, Lee Kong Chian School of Business)
Pilot Pen Community Champion Award (Elderly Issues)
Ryan’s commitment to community service began in his youth, with early efforts including visits to elderly residents in Bukit Merah during secondary school and provided support to feed the less fortunate through meal preparation at Willing Hearts Kitchen as he advanced to junior college. Over time, his dedication has evolved into leadership roles, where he now spearheads impactful initiative such as Project Filos at SMU.
Receiving the Pilot Pen Community Champion Award (Elderly Issues) is a significant milestone for Ryan, serving as both recognition and motivation. This accolade inspires him to encourage others to participate in community service with the aim of making a genuine impact, rather than just fulfilling a requirement. Ryan advocates seeing community service as an opportunity to connect with others, address societal issues, and learn from those being helped. He has navigated challenges, such as understanding diverse beneficiaries' needs, by forging personal connections and sharing his experiences to make a meaningful difference with available resources.
As the President of SMU Ember for 2024, Ryan has initiated Project EngAgement, a new community service project in partnership with Nee Soon East Community Club. He also oversees Project Touch Bridging Gaps (TBG) with TOUCH Community Services. Both initiatives focus on combating social isolation among seniors through regular engagement and befriending sessions.
Discovering Joy and Community: How Serving Others Unites Us
Goh Si Hui (Year 4, Yong Pung How School of Law)
Pilot Pen Community Champion Award (Low-Income Families/Single-Parent Families)
Having completed 369 hours of community service—almost five times SMU’s minimum requirement—Si Hui’s remarkable efforts earned her the much-deserved Pilot Pen Community Champion Award for Low-Income and Single-Parent Families.
Inspired by a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities she has received, Si Hui’s passion for community service stems from a desire to give back. She believes that even small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. Her involvement in various community projects, particularly with SMU Caretalyst, has given her insight into the struggles faced by disadvantaged children. Knowing that her contributions, along with the efforts of other volunteer groups, can help these children reach their full potential is what drives her continued dedication.
Si Hui’s projects included leading initiatives like Project Illuminate, which supported underprivileged children through academic enrichment and character-building activities, and Project YOLO, which helped primary school students develop soft skills through educational outings. Additionally, she volunteered in Project Ai, working with Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PWIDs), and Project Enrich, which focused on children’s holistic development. Beyond her community service efforts, Si Hui also contributed through pro-bono work at the Community Justice Centre and Office of the Public Guardian.
Bridging Hearts: Building Lasting Connections and Brightening Lives
Mohamed Salim Shahid (Year 3, School of Social Sciences)
Yu Xin Community Leadership Award
Salim received the prestigious Yu Xin Community Leadership Award in recognition of his exceptional contributions to community service. His involvement across different beneficiary groups, such as working with underprivileged children in Project YOLO and elderly beneficiaries in Project Golden Hours, highlights his passion for effecting change across social strata. His leadership in Project Golden Hours 2 helped foster meaningful connections between students and seniors, reducing isolation through engaging activities and promoting mental well-being.
Beyond SMU, Salim actively contributed to the Youth Corps Mental Health Cluster as an Events Team EXCO in 2023/2024, where his efforts were recognised at the Youth Corps Volunteer Appreciation Event. His broad volunteering experience includes roles such as Associate Consultant for Thrive Social Consulting at the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, where he conducted research on fundraising challenges faced by non-profit organisations. Salim’s dedication to volunteering and leadership in multiple community service initiatives is a testament to his commitment to social causes and his determination to bring about positive change.
Salim encourages others to recognise the impact they can create, even if it seems small. He believes that participating in community service projects with an open mind and full effort can bring immense joy and fulfilment, not only to the beneficiaries but also to the volunteers themselves.
Here is the complete list of winners—congratulations to all our outstanding achievers. Keep shining and continue to inspire those around you!
